RESIDENTS have voiced their concerns about plans to regenerate a village by selling greenfield land to housing developers.

The cash raised would be used to upgrade the remains of the 18th Century William Turner estate, in Kirkleatham, near Redcar.

The estate has the region's highest concentration of Grade I-listed buildings at risk of falling into disrepair outside Newcastle.

Proposals include moving the museum into the old stable and turning Kirkleatham Hall into a hotel, restoring the village green and creating more housing on land near the old sawmill.

Other suggestions include developing the nursery into a garden centre, replacing street furniture and creating a wildlife trail.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has not decided whether to take the advice of consultants they employed, but the public consultation process is now complete.

The response has been mixed with some people supporting the move to increase the area's tourism potential as a means to finance the restoration of the buildings.

But others fear the plans would spoil the heritage of the area and attract more people to the village, which would exacerbate problems associated with anti social behaviour.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "There are many people who are proud Redcar retains this bit of history and it would be devastating to see this lovely rural area being encroached upon.

"I agree the historic buildings and walled gardens should be restored, and the surrounding area of the village needs to be tidied, but it wants to be done sympathetically for the character to be retained.

"We all have a moral duty to ensure our architectural heritage is preserved."

Consultation with property owners and businessmen in the village is continuing and the council has promised to listen to the views of the public before making any decisions.

Council leader David Walsh said the most important thing was to ensure Kirkleatham's heritage was preserved.

He said: "Any changes that take place will be done to enhance the existing buildings and be in keeping with the tone of the area.

"We can't allow the building to decay any further because history will not judge us kindly if we allow that to happen.

"These buildings have been part of the community for the last 500 years and we must make sure they are there for another 500."